Depression

Depression makes it hard to reach out for help, but treatment is essential because depression doesn’t improve—it worsens over time. At Intuitive Mind Behavioral Health in New Braunfels, Texas, Lydia Kimeli-Pope, MSN-PMHNP, offers compassionate care for depression, creating individualized treatment plans that integrate medication and therapy. Don’t wait to take that first step toward overcoming depression. Call the office today or use the convenient online booking form to request an appointment.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Your depression may range from mild to severe, but don’t underestimate mild symptoms.

Without treatment, your symptoms keep progressing and can last months or years. For some, depression causes overwhelming hopelessness and leads to serious consequences, such as thinking about death and committing suicide.

Depression arises from many possible sources. Genetics, brain chemical imbalances, childhood trauma, and life events can all factor into your risk of developing depression. No matter the cause, treatment at Intuitive Mind Behavioral Health can restore balance and improve your mood.

Are there different types of depression?

The primary types of depression include:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): symptoms most of the time for at least two weeks
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): less severe symptoms for at least two years
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): causes irritability, anger, and frequent outbursts in children
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD): severe mental and physical symptoms the week before menstruation

Several types that were once separate disorders are now included under the MDD umbrella because they share the same symptoms. For example, postpartum depression and seasonal affective disorder are MDD subtypes.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression makes you feel sad, steals your energy, makes it hard to go to work, and stops you from enjoying life. The list of symptoms includes:

• Feeling hopeless and worthless
• Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Losing or gaining weight
• Eating too much or too little
• Oversleeping or developing insomnia
• Having constant fatigue
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Having aimless, repetitive, or slow movements
• Thinking about death or suicide (suicidal ideation)

If you’re thinking about suicide, immediately call 988 to talk with someone who can help.

Depression can also cause physical symptoms. Many people have muscle aches, headaches, and chronic pain unrelated to health conditions.

How is depression treated?

Treatment for depression usually includes antidepressant medications and talk therapy. Your provider may recommend medication first to help you overcome the severe depression that makes it hard to participate in therapy. However, antidepressants need a few weeks to take effect, and during that time, therapy can help you start healing from depression.

Depression doesn’t improve on its own, so don’t wait to seek treatment. Call Intuitive Mind Behavioral Health today or connect online to request an appointment and start depression treatment.